Midstate News

Below is the latest MidState Medical Center news stories for the current year. Click the [+] next to each title to view that story. You may also visit the the news archive to view stories that occurred prior to this year.

Suffer from knee or hip pain? Join us for a free educational seminar to learn more about what you can do to find relief from your pain. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Leonard Kolstad will present a lecture on Thursday, August 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the MidState Family Health Center, 61 Pomeroy Avenue, Meriden.

MidState is one of two hospitals in Central Connecticut offering MAKOplasty®, a robotic assisted surgery for partial knee and total hip replacement. The surgery is so precise that people recover faster with fewer side effects and can rapidly return to a more active lifestyle. MAKOplasty® procedures use the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, enabling more accurate alignment and placement of implants.

MidState Medical Center is proud to announce that its bariatric surgery program has achieved Comprehensive Center accreditation from the American College of Surgeons and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This certification means that our bariatric patients can be assured they are receiving the highest quality and most patient-centered care when they select MidState as their provider of choice.

MidState underwent a rigorous examination process to attain accreditation. A MBSAQIP site visit took place on May 15 to evaluate the hospital and verify that appropriate levels of care were in place for bariatric surgery patients, also ensuring that patient education, long-term follow up, support groups, data collection and quality improvement measures were part of the program.

"Part of this process involved demonstrating how we follow up with our patients along the entire continuum of care. It is important that we collaborate with our outpatient partners pre- and post- surgery to ensure a smooth transition of care for every single one of our patients," said Kelly Miller, bariatric program coordinator.

Beyond excellent medical care, MidState also prides itself in an excellent patient experience. "We work collaboratively with our patients every step of the way before, during and after the surgery process. We have three patient navigators who help guide our patients, especially during the six-month pre-op workup before surgery," said Dr. Aziz Benbrahim, general surgeon and medical director of MidState's bariatric surgery program.

If you are interested in learning whether bariatric surgery is the right option for you, sign up for one of our free surgery information sessions. Sessions are held across central Connecticut. The next day session in Meriden is scheduled for Monday, July 27,12 p.m. Our next evening session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m. Both sessions are held at the MidState Family Health Center, 61 Pomeroy Avenue, Meriden. Registration is required. Please call 1.866.668.5070 to register.

MidState Medical Center is the first hospital in Central Connecticut to offer a new robotic surgery for hip and knee procedures.

In July, MidState performed its first MAKOplasty® for partial knee resurfacing and total hip replacement procedures using the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System. RIO is a surgeon-controlled robotic arm system that enables accurate alignment and placement of implants.

MidState surgical services staff completed training with the new technology in June. Dr. Obi Osuji, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, performed the first hip replacement procedure on July 6 at MidState Medical Center.

"This technology gives me an extra tool to ensure accuracy," Dr. Osuji says. "In a partial knee procedure for example, I’m able to manually stretch and balance the knee during surgery and use the computer navigation to my advantage—assuring proper alignment and balance."

The RIO System features a patient-specific visualization system and robotic arm technology that is integrated with intelligent surgical instruments. It assists surgeons in pre-planning and in treating each patient uniquely and consistently.

"This technology allows us to implant the joints more accurately. That’s the big advantage. If we implant the components more accurately during a hip replacement for example, patients have less of a chance of a dislocation or one leg being shorter or longer than the other," Dr. Osuji says.

During MAKOplasty total hip replacement surgery, RIO provides visualization of the joint and biomechanical data to guide the bone preparation and implant positioning to match the pre-surgical plan. After first preparing the femur or thighbone, the surgeon uses the robotic arm to accurately ream and shape the acetabulum socket in the hip, and then implant the cup at the correct depth and orientation. The surgeon then implants the femoral implant. MAKOplasty can help surgeons with more accurate cup placement and leg length restoration.

MAKOplasty Partial Knee Resurfacing is a treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. It is less invasive than traditional total knee surgery. A pre-surgical plan is created based on a CT scan of the patient’s own knee, and the surgeon uses the robotic arm during surgery to resurface the diseased portion of the knee, sparing healthy bone and surrounding tissue for a more natural feeling knee. An implant is then secured in the joint to allow the knee to move smoothly again.

Eric Lisitano, regional manager of orthopedic services, says because of the less-invasive nature of the procedure, patients recover faster and the number of patients needing revision is less than 1%. Other benefits of MAKOplasty Knee and Hip procedures can include a smaller incision, reduced blood loss, bone sparing, shorter hospitalizations and a more rapid return to every day life’s activities.

"This is a very advanced technology that we are very excited to offer to patients in our community. It’s a very precise approach to fitting the implants that is not possible with traditional arthroplasty," he says.

MidState Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its Knee and Hip Replacement Program, having demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care.

The certification award recognizes MidState’s dedication to continuous compliance with the commission’s standards.

Earlier this year, the hospital had a rigorous on-site review by a Joint Commission expert who evaluated MidState for compliance with standards of care specific to patients’ and families’ needs. These included infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

“This award confirms our Joint Center’s dedication to providing the best care to our patients having joint replacement surgery. This is facilitated by a team approach in which the patient is guided through the system effortlessly with proper preoperative education, excellent hospital care and appropriate rehabilitation after surgery,” said Joint Program Medical Director and orthopedic surgeon Craig Foster, M.D.

“Joint Commission certification says to our patients and families that we’ve achieved something prestigious,” said Dr. Foster, noting the survey included a rigorous review of the knee and hip replacement program’s processes, improvement measures, staff competency and care coordination. “This recognition acknowledges the efforts of our team in demonstrating our commitment to maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide to the community.”

Among the unit’s initiatives have been data collection; an emphasis on best practice of joint replacement patients going home with home care services (e.g., physical therapy, visiting nurse) vs. to a rehabilitation facility; patient education, including the creation of an online pre-operative class – the first online education class to be offered to patients - and an updated patient education guidebook; and implementation of a baseball-themed patient pathway used to help joint replacement patients achieve progressive goals - bases - starting on day of surgery.

The knee is the most common joint replaced and surgery replaces diseased or damaged parts of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (lower leg bone) and worn cartilage. For patients whose knees have been only partially affected by osteoarthritis, MidState offers partial knee replacement. During hip replacement surgery, diseased and damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with specially designed metal and plastic “ball and socket” parts. Patients benefit from advances in surgical techniques that include smaller incisions and new technology.

The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission, founded in 1951, is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.

The Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at MidState Medical Center was recently recertified by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Programs that earn certification meet the national standards for diabetes education and have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management.

“Self-management is an essential component of diabetes treatment. In our education program, patients learn how to effectively manage their disease and prevent complications from arising. Our patients can also feel confident they are receiving instruction from providers who are experts in diabetes management,” said Karen Mcavoy, diabetes program education coordinator, MidState Medical Center.

MidState offers a series of education classes several times per month both during the evening and daytime hours. Classes are open to patients living with diabetes or those who are newly diagnosed. The comprehensive sessions provide an overview of diabetes and focus on blood sugar monitoring, nutrition and physical activity recommendations, medication and stress management, goal setting, and much more. A physician referral is required to participate. To learn more about MidState’s Diabetes Self-Management Education Program, please call 203.694.5425.

Room service is no longer a luxury reserved for hotel guests. Patients at MidState Medical Center's Family Birthing Center have the ability to order the food they want - when they want it - via the the hospital's new Free-Style Dining program.

Sparked by a growing trend in health care, birthing center patients can now place an order for their meal by calling the central office directly. They choose the specific foods they want to eat and can expect their meal 45 minutes after placing their order.

Since birthing center patients have fewer dietary restrictions than other hospitalized patients, the room service model was ideal fit to pilot the program.

"Our menu offers a range of foods that meet patients' nutritional needs and personal preferences. Patients can select from breakfast options that include customized omelets, daily lunch or dinner specials, and soups, sides, and desserts, said George Szuba, Food Service manager.

Room service is available daily at MidState from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"Free-style dining promotes patient satisfaction because patients can eat exactly to their preferences. Some enjoy a large breakfast, others a small breakfast, and some patients like to eat the same thing every day," said Szuba.

Another benefit is that mealtime no longer interferes with the time patients want to spend with visitors. Finally, the program has also reduced waste because patients select only what they want to eat.

MidState Medical Center is pleased to announce that oncologist Dr. Rajani Nadkarni has been named a recipient the Connecticut Hospital Association's 2015 Healthcare Hero Award.

Developed in 2002, the HealthCare Hero Award celebrates the importance of healthcare careers and the accomplishments of providers.

In a heartfelt nomination, Dr. Nadkarni was lauded for her many achievements, one of which is pioneering genetic counseling and cancer risk assessment services at MidState Medical Center. Hundreds of patients have benefited from this important service, and now the risk clinic model she and her team developed is being reviewed for implementation across Hartford HealthCare, one of Connecticut's largest healthcare systems.

Dr. Nadkarni advocates for quality and patient safety and has held numerous leadership positions toward that end, including medical staff president, chair of the Credentials Committee, member of the Hartford HealthCare Bylaws Committee, Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute Operations Committee, and Disease Management Team Lead at MidState for breast cancer.

Beyond her professional accolades she is also recognized for continually demonstrating care, concern and compassion to her patients. "She frequently models a dedication to a 'person' and not only a 'disease,'" said one nominator.

Recently, she donated money so that tablets could be purchased for the oncology waiting room, giving patients the opportunity to learn more about their diagnosis, medications, health and wellness. She also held vigil with the family of a dying patient to comfort them when medical interventions were no longer an option.

"I feel privileged and grateful to be named a Healthcare Hero. I am also very humbled. As a leader, I've always felt my goal is to mentor and develop the skills of those around me. I hope this means I have done that job," said Dr. Nadkarni.

Still, she finds the interaction with her patients to be the most rewarding. "It is the thank you notes I receive from them describing how I've touched them as a caregiver that mean the most to me."

MidState Medical Center is the proud recipient of funding from Evonik Industries, a global chemical company in Wallingford, for the third consecutive year. The hospital received $1,500 in support of community-wide efforts in emergency preparedness. Funding was also awarded to the Wallingford Fire Department, Wallingford Police Department and Wallingford Reserve Medical Corps.

"We appreciate the recognition, but what we value even more are the relationships we've built with our community partners," said Susan McGaughan, RN, MBA, NE-BC, business manager, Emergency Department, MidState Medical Center, in a check passing ceremony held at the Wallingford Fire Department April 21. Evonik plans to work with MidState this year on an ammonia response drill and an active shooter drill.

Staff at MidState Medical Center gathered on April 22 for a ceremonial flag raising to celebrate National Donate Life Month. The ceremony honored the six tissue donations that MidState received in 2014. "Today's ceremony is about remembering those who have given the gift of life and honoring those families who looked beyond their grief to do so. We also thank the staff for their support in these efforts," said AnnMarie Blanco, hospital development specialist, LifeChoice Donor Services. Going forward flag raising ceremonies will take place each time an organ or tissue donation is made at the hospital. There continues to be 124,000 people on a national waiting list for a life-saving organ.

MidState Medical Center's Radiology Services is proud to announce it has been designated a Lung Screening Cancer Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR). To apply for the designation, the Radiology team ensured all of its protocols met the standards for certification. Obtaining accreditation is an important step toward joining a national registry that will allow MidState's Lung Cancer Screening Program to serve Medicare patients. Like many programs across the nation, MidState's program will be making its transition from a research undertaking to an insurance-covered service. Since the launch of the program in summer 2013, MidState has screened over 400 patients for lung cancer.

Just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it isn't there. Just ask the more than 50,000 Americans who were diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck last year. Unfortunately, many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases, which include cancers of the oral cavity, larynx and pharynx, and by the time they are diagnosed, it's too late. MidState will host a free head and neck cancer screening on Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. The screening will be held at MidState Medical Center on 435 Lewis Avenue, in The Cancer Center's radiation therapy office.

Oral, head and neck cancers claim approximately 12,000 lives per year. However, there is hope; if diagnosed early, these cancers can be more easily treated without complications, and the chances of survival greatly increase.

Who should get screened?

The signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers often go unnoticed. However, there are a few visible signs associated with these cancers that require immediate attention, including:

A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size

Persistent pain in your mouth

Lumps or white or red patches inside your mouth

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Soreness in your throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat

Chronic hoarseness

A lump in your throat

Screening is quick, painless and free. It will consist of a thorough physical examination of the entire mouth, throat and neck. Take advantage of the opportunity to benefit from this preventive health measure by taking 10 minutes to do something that could save your life. Please call 203.694.8631 to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

MidState Medical Center and the Meriden Senior Center held an open house and formal ribbon cutting ceremony March 25 to celebrate the renovation of its jointly operated LaPlanche Clinic. The LaPlanche Clinic, which has served area seniors for over 35 years, is staffed by a MidState nurse who provides health screenings and referrals. In September the clinic underwent renovations that included fresh paint, new furniture and eye-pleasing décor. "Serving the community through the LaPlanche Clinic has been rewarding for MidState, and we hope it has been equally rewarding for the senior center and those we serve," said Cindy Russo, vice president, Operations, MidState Medical Center.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

March 9, 2015

Open House and Ribbon Cutting March 25 at MidState Medical Center's LaPlanche Clinic

Open House and Ribbon Cutting March 25 at MidState Medical Center's LaPlanche Clinic

By Pamela Cruz, Manager of Marketing and Community Relations

Contact : Ph - 203.694.8732 : Email - pjcruz@midstatemedical.org

MidState Medical Center and the Meriden Senior Center will host an open house and formal ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the renovation of the hospital's LaPlanche Clinic, which operates at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street, Lower Level. In September, the clinic underwent renovations that included fresh paint, new furniture and eye-pleasing décor. Seniors are invited for refreshments, to tour the new clinic, and meet the staff. An open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony-taking place at 10:30 a.m.

Since 1979, the LaPlanche Clinic has provided vital health care services to area seniors in need. Connie Smith, RN, clinical coordinator for the clinic, is available to meet with patients, perform health screenings like blood pressure and glucose checks, and make referrals to other health care services. The LaPlanche Clinic is currently open to patients Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 2 p.m. and can be reached by calling 203-237-0300.

MidState Medical Center is pleased to announce that its Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine program has earned the Center of Distinction Award by Healogics, Inc., the nation's largest provider of advanced wound care services. MidState's center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including maintain a patient satisfaction score of higher than 92 percent and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal, among other outstanding quality outcomes.

There were 506 centers eligible for the Center of Distinction Award, and only 172 achieved the honor.

"We are so proud to have achieved this recognition," said Valarie DiMiero, program director for MidState's Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine program. "One of the hallmarks of the care we provide is that it is truly patient-centered. Our high healing rates and patient satisfaction scores are the result of a commitment by each and every one of our staff to provide high-quality, evidence-based and compassionate care," said DiMiero.

MidState's center is a member of the Healogics Network of more than 635 Centers, and provides access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating more than two million chronic wounds.

MidState Medical Center will hold a free educational seminar on prostate cancer on March 5, 2015, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at MidState Medical Center, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, Second Floor. Dr. Ryan Dorin, a urologist with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group who is affiliated with MidState Medical Center and The Hospital of Central Connecticut, will discuss new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

According to Dr. Dorin, men can take steps to improve their health by having a solid relationship with their primary care physician and undergoing the recommended screenings for common cancers among men, which include not only prostate cancer, but colon cancer, skin cancer and testicular cancer.

A special thank you to our dedicated staff members who braved treacherous roads and in some cases slept at our health care facilities to ensure that our patients and clients received excellent and compassionate care.

Here are some tips to help you to stay safe and warm as we dig out:

Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

Each year, more than 150 people die from accidental, non-fire related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. During large snow storms, gas-powered appliance vents can become blocked with snow. Be sure to clear all vents and be sure your car's exhaust pipe is clear. Other precautions:

Before using a fireplace, open the damper for proper ventilation

Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home

Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside

Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open

Only use barbecue grills outdoors

Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas

Snow blower safety

Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snow blower, stop the engine and wait more than 5 seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.

Never leave a running snow blower unattended.

Add fuel only before starting the snow blower.

Never add fuel in an enclosed space.

The engine can become very hot. Avoid burns by never touching the area near the engine.

Use the pull-cord safely. Sharply pulling a stuck pull-cord may cause injury to your upper body or back.

If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of the power cord at all times. If the cord becomes caught in the machine and is severed or comes in contact with the engine and burns, you could receive a shock or more serious injury.

Keep children far away from snow blowers.

Safe shoveling

Before you begin this physical workout, warm-up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.

Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.

Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength.

Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your knees and use your legs, do not bend at the waist.

Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.

MediQuick Urgent Care, with locations in Meriden and Cheshire, will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to the impending storm. MediQuick anticipates being open Wednesday, Jan. 28. For the latest updates, visit Facebook and like the MediQuick Urgent Care page.

Healthy Living Tips, Activities and Screenings for All Ages Highlight Feb. 22 Healthy Family FunFest

By Pamela Cruz, Manager of Marketing and Community Relations

Contact : Ph - 203.694.8732 : Email - pjcruz@midstatemedical.org

Living a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages is the focus of the 6th Annual Healthy Family FunFest on Sunday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This free event will be held at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., in the Plantsville section of Southington.

This fun-filled day features exhibits and vendors focused on healthy living, education and green initiatives. Activities designed to engage individuals and families include:

Wellness tips from health experts on a variety of topics including eating right and exercise

This fun-filled event is presented by Central Connecticut Senior Healthy Services, the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA and The Hospital of Central Connecticut at Bradley Memorial. Event champion sponsors include Health New England and Bradley H. Barnes & Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust at Main Street Community Foundation.

At the MidState Medical Center annual medical staff meeting held Dec. 11, three more physicians joined a proud tradition at the hospital by becoming the latest members of the medical staff to earn Physician Recognition Awards.

Dr. Bruce Brumberger, a long-time primary care physician practicing in Meriden, earned The Joseph Goodman Clinical Collaboration and Teamwork Award. Dr. Brumberger has been known and appreciated for his emphasis on caring for the whole patient - long before the word 'holistic' was a common term. He consistently coordinates care along the continuum, working with nurses, respiratory therapists and all health care team members, said one nominator.

Radiologist Dr. James Carroll was named the recipient of The Daniel Kahn Clinical Quality Award. Noted for exemplifying the high clinical standards for which the award was established, Dr. Carroll has served on the MidState Medical Center Medical Staff Peer Review Committee since 2008, became chairman in 2011, and in 2013 established the highly successful Lung Cancer Screening Program. Over 450 patients have been referred to the program to date.

The David Parke Leadership Award was given to Dr. Richard Smith. A pulmonologist on MidState's medical staff for the last 37 years, Dr. Smith is recognized as a champion for quality and a leader in growing the culture and infrastructure at MidState. He has served on a number of committees and now serves as medical staff president.

"Nominations for these awards came from the entire MidState community including colleagues, staff, patients and patients' family members. These three physicians embody the values and clinical excellence that are so important to our culture," said Dr. Steven Hanks, vice president for medical affairs, MidState Medical Center.

Award recipients received a figurine with an engraved base to commemorate their recognition. A photo display will be unveiled in the hospital galleria by the SurgiCenter.

MidState Medical Center will hold a free educational seminar entitled, "What's new in Cardiology? Advances in blood pressure and heart valve treatment," on Thursday, Feb. 5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main Street, Wallingford. The talk will be delivered by Dr. George Spivack, cardiologist affiliated with MidState Medical Center. Dr. Spivack practices with Cardiology Associates of Central Connecticut, LLC, Wallingford. If you are interested in attending this event, please register by calling the library at 203-265-6754.

MidState Medical Center is pleased to offer the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation. This 6- to 8-week program series, offered six times throughout the year, is a low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. The routines in the program include gentle range-of-motion exercises that are suitable for every fitness level. Led by a certified instructor, the benefits of the class include more flexible joints and stronger muscles, better sleep, increased energy and improved quality of life.

The first session in 2015 will begin on Jan. 6 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays until Feb. 24. The sessions are held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the conference rooms located at the MidState Family Health Center on 61 Pomeroy Avenue in Meriden. The cost is $20 for series. Please call 1-866-662-5678 to register your attendance.

December 29, 2014

MidState Medical Center hosts "Music from the Heart" event on Valentine's Day

MidState Medical Center hosts "Music from the Heart" event on Valentine's Day

By Pamela Cruz, Manager of Marketing and Community Relations

Contact : Ph - 203.694.8732 : Email - pjcruz@midstatemedical.org

Looking for something sweet to do this Valentine's Day? Join MidState Medical Center for a special "Music from the Heart" event that benefits the music program at the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at MidState Medical Center. The event features musical entertainment provided by MidState's Music Therapy Program musicians, an Italian dinner buffet, dessert, coffee, tea, cash bar, and dancing.

"Music from the Heart" will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden. Reservations are $50/person. People may also purchase a special "Music from the Heart" message in the event program book; $25/quarter page and $50/full page.

To make your reservations, submit a message, donate a basket or item for the prize drawing, or to make an outright donation, please contact Mary Beth Papallo in MidState Medical Center's Development Office at 203-694-8743 or MaryBeth.Papallo@hhchealth.org.

MidState would like to thank Four Points by Sheraton and Silver City Sound of Meriden for their generous support.